Transcript: Sen. Kerry Interview

Sept. 29, 2004

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"Most recently I've laid out a plan for how we are successful in Iraq — and if my plan works, Diane, which I expect it will, we'll be able to draw down the numbers of American troops. My goal is to get our troops out of Iraq."

When asked about newspaper reports that allies might continue to resist further assistance, particularly sending in troops, even under Kerry, the senator continued to defend his plan to further involve allies.

"Well, first of all I've never said that I expect France or Germany to put troops on the ground, but there are plenty of things that they can do and that can be done and it depends on the relationships," Kerry said. "Secondly, I'd never expect them to say that now while a sitting president is there. No diplomat and no country and no government's going to do that."

At the time, Kerry responded to Allwai's assessment with some critical words for the Bush administration.

"The prime minister and the president are here obviously to put their best face on the policy," Kerry said following Allawi's address. "But the fact is that the CIA estimates, the reporting, the ground operations and the troops all tell a different story."

Vice President Dick Cheney immediately responded to Kerry, saying his comments showed a "lack of respect" for Allawi.

But Kerry told Sawyer his response was meant for the Bush adminstration's portrayal of the situation in Iraq and not Allawi.

"I'm not attacking him [Allawi]. I'm not attacking him at all," Kerry said. "He's a strong man. I hope he's successful. I'm going to help him be successful," he said.

"I'm simply telling the truth about what is happening in Iraq, Diane. Kids are dying in Iraq in a greater number this month than they died last month, and they died last month in a greater number than they did the month before," he said.

"And the fact is, services aren't being delivered, and whole communities are in the hands of the terrorists. And George Bush walked away from that. I think that's a mistake."